Chapter 5 Actually, I Knew It All Along

"Did he cheat on you?" Ethan asked, adjusting the steering wheel while I shared my story.

"I'm not sure." After that incident, I bugged his study. I heard him with a woman, but the surveillance footage showed no one entering or leaving.

"And then? What did you do?"

I smirked, maybe amused or mocking myself. "I'm 26. I did everything to protect my rights. I saved the recordings as evidence of his cheating. But..."

"You still have some attachment," Ethan finished for me.

I had to admitted I still had some attachment. Not so much emotional; my bedridden mom was seriously ill. Arthur and I have been sharing her medical expenses. My salary alone wouldn't cover it.

I had a dignified excuse for staying in this failed marriage. No need to share my struggles with someone I just met.

"Drop me off at the neighborhood entrance on the right. I'll repay you for the car wash and dry cleaning. Thanks for today."

Ethan just nodded, lips pressed into a line, eyes curious and confused. "After you clean up, go to the hospital. Even I know that not taking care after a miscarriage can cause issues."

Following his gaze, I saw dried bloodstains on my thigh. Embarrassed, I just smiled to show I understood.

After saying goodbye to Ethan, I went back to the home I shared with Arthur. The photos by the entrance felt especially glaring and ironic.

I grabbed cleaning supplies, tidied up, packed my documents and usual clothes into a small suitcase, and took one last look at this so-called home before leaving.

At the neighborhood entrance, I remembered something.

It was Scruffy, a stray cat I found on my way home from work. It had followed me, limping on its injured leg, all the way back to my place.